Outstanding writing, depth of story and breath-taking history combine in this unique account of the First World War. Based on the true story of Khudadad Khan, an Indian gunner who fought for the British Army and received the Victoria Cross for his courage in Flanders, it follows four different stories interwoven in the heart of battle. This is a book of characters worth remembering and a sobering reminder that war is made up of thousands of individual stories.
11-year-old Lotte is a Belgian farm girl. Growing up in a home where her father wishes she’d been a boy and she never seems to do the right thing, she regularly escapes to “her tree” – a large walnut tree perfect for climbing, spying and sheltering in when life is hard. Along with her little sister Els, Lotte must face the most difficult challenges as Germans invade and her family loses everything.
15-year-old Ernst has dreamed of joining the German Imperial Army, just like his father. Through childhood training, cadet school full of bullies and the exciting romanticism of war, he has longed to find significance and to be a part of something big. However, when war starts and he finds himself wounded in Belgium, he realises the truth of war – it is hell. Suddenly, everything he has ever believed disintegrates.
Recruited in India, Khudadad Khan has joined a war that has nothing to do with him. Big promises of strong boots, clothing and plenty of food never materialise as the Indian soldiers find themselves in rain, mud and cold. What are they fighting for?
Lotte’s Uncle Hendrik clearly explains how small wars become world wars through alliances, promises and opportunity. The fact that Belgium is neutral simply doesn’t matter as it becomes part of Germany’s imperialistic aims. Families are uprooted, livelihoods destroyed and ordinary people are forced to fight as the harsh reality of war moves closer. Jamila Gavin does not shy away from the savage horrors of war. Ernst and his best friend, Rudiger, face grim slaughter and a crisis of courage as their reality is far beyond what their 15-year-old selves can handle. Lotte, Els and their friend Michel become European refugees to England. The welcome and care they receive is to be commended and something to emulate as we see more children in peril due to war.
My Soul, A Shining Tree is an essential addition to any secondary school collection of war stories. Although targeted at age 9+, the honesty of war may be too much for less mature Year 5 and 6 students. This book would be well-placed in Key Stage 3 and even Key Stage 4.
My Soul, A Shining Tree has been expertly crafted and impeccably researched. Levels of detail are incredible with references to the poems “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and “Tree and Sky” by Sigfried Sassoon. It is a book that will stay with me and is certainly worthy of countless award nominations.
Thank you to Farshore for a copy of this outstanding book!
It will be published on 14th August 2025.
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